1997 Ford Explorer transmission problems

Filed Oct 20, 2013 · Transmission · 155,000 miles · MD

This letter is intended to address ineffective service by aamco that LED to failure of a transmission in my vehicle. As you see by the attached letter, I voiced concern about this last year and all aamco suggested was to take it back to the dealer that performed the ineffective service. I requested the right to take the vehicle to another aamco center, but your response was to take it to the center that I already had doubts about. Let me set the scenario again. ?with initial grinding sounds and lack of reverse, I took to clinton transmissions in 2011 and they informed me the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was parked until 2012. ?in 2012, I called the waldorf aamco center and they informed me it may not be the transmission and to let them look at it. It was towed in and I was informed that the transmission was fine but the transfer case was bad. ?all totaled, I paid $1534.76 for transfer case, $430.03 for parts, and $600 for labor. This does not include the other services that the center said I needed. ?the vehicle was taken back twice for an od light that came on as soon as I left the center. They seemed unable to diagnose the problem. ?I felt concern for the period I was driving and wrote corporate to request assistance. ?earlier this year while driving to south carolina, the grinding sound started again and reverse went out. I notified corporate and the waldorf center and was told to go to the nearest aamco. ?I went to the columbia, south carolina aamco and after diagnostic, told me the same thing that the clinton transmission told me in 2011. The transmission had internal damage and needed to be rebuilt. ?I left the vehicle in columbia and had to purchase a new vehicle. With these facts in mind, aamco can surely see where ineffective service LED to a safety failure.

Filed Feb 19, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 147,000 miles · WI

The engine slowed down and just quit. Would not restart. Had it towed to a repair facility *again* and found out that *2 (two)* timing chains went out. The drivers side snapped in two and the passenger side (rear) had over 1 1/2 inches of play in it and obvious stretching of the timing chain. The front broken one totaled the engine, all tensioners, spacers etc were nor in pieces lying in the engine. And guess what to replace the rear timing chain you have to completely remove the engine from the vehicle! Thanks again ford!!!!!!!!

Filed Feb 19, 2013 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · WI

We maintained our vehicles regularly, after replacing the transfer case not 8 months ago now the transmission went out. Spent $2400 for a rebuild. Shop states this model is a piece of [xxx], and the have made a lot of money from fords poor engineering on this model. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 19, 2013 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · WI

After turning a corner at less than 15 MPH a loud sound was heard and the engine raced but stopped moving. Tried all gears and after having it towed to a repair facility I was informed that the transfer case broke.I had to have it replaced.

Filed Dec 21, 2012 · Transmission · 256,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the transmission failed causing the rpms to increase continuously. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and was advised that the speedometer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The failure mileage was 256,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · CO

I kept hearing the gears spinning when I would press on the brakes. According to my transmission specialist, the transfer cases were not built right in this year of explorer. He says he sees the same problem all the time and is unsure why there has not been a recall on this.

Filed May 11, 2009 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving approximately 10 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle began to jerk excessively. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. He noticed that the rear driver's side axle was split in half. The failure occurred without warning. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2008 · Lights, Transmission · 56,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4x4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08

Filed May 22, 2007 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that on three different occasions, the vehicle shut off and the keys could not be removed from the ignition. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly rolled backwards. The dealer was notified of the roll backs. The contact places bricks behind two wheels to keep the vehicle secure. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 120,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · NE

On a 1997 ford explorer had problems with transfer case. First noticed when driving on interstate with cruise control on vehicle made grinding noise and would not decelerate had to put into neutral to stop. When decelerating while driving vehicle it would also make grinding noise almost sounding like it was not down shifting. Few weeks later when vehicle was put into reverse it would make a grinding noise and would not go into gear. Did not feel safe to drive. Ending up having to have a mechanic rebuild transfer case, cost almost $1000.00. Now five months later having problems with check engine light continuously coming on. Replaced sensors and spark plug on #4 cylinder twice. This will be replacement number 3 for spark plug in four month period. Mechanics cannot seem to figure out why.